The story of “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. A critical response is a literary analysis of the elements of a story. It involves identifying the literary elements (i.e. characterization) and analyzing how the author used these techniques to create meaning.

Question

The story of “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. A critical response is a literary analysis of the elements of a story. It involves identifying the literary elements (i.e. characterization) and analyzing how the author used these techniques to create meaning.

Body Paragraphs (TEA or CEA method)
Please write in complete sentences. Body Paragraph #1- Characterization.
Evidence: Integrate a quote that shows characterization in the story.
Citation: To cite your source, put the author's last name and the page number where you found the quote in parentheses at the END of the quote.
Example- (Vonnegut 2).

Answer 1

In "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., the author effectively uses characterization to convey the theme of the story. One example of this can be seen in the character of Harrison Bergeron himself. The story describes Harrison as someone who, despite his young age, possesses exceptional physical and intellectual abilities. Vonnegut writes, "Harrison tore the straps of his handicap harness like wet tissue paper, tore straps guaranteed to support five thousand pounds" (Vonnegut 2). This quote highlights Harrison's physical strength and implies that he possesses an extraordinary level of power. Through this characterization, Vonnegut emphasizes the innate potential that individuals have within them, but which is suppressed in the dystopian society depicted in the story.